Indexing system package and display system

ABSTRACT

An indexing system includes a label display sheet to be positioned adjacent a divided stack of objects, the label display sheet including a plurality of spaced label indicia, and a plurality of tabs substantially adjacent the objects of the stack, each tab corresponding to a respective one of the plurality of spaced label indicia and including a translucent material. A method of using a template for creating the indexing system includes selecting a template, inputting indicia into a plurality of modifiable text boxes on the template, printing a label display sheet wherein the plurality of spaced label indicia includes the indicia input into the modifiable text boxes, and positioning the label display sheet adjacent the divided stack of objects such that the plurality of spaced label indicia are visible through the respective tabs.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/854,401, filed on May 26, 2004, which is a continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/294,720, filed on Nov. 15, 2002, nowU.S. Pat. No. 6,752,428, which is a divisional application of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 09/883,379, filed on Jun. 19, 2001, now U.S.Pat. No. 6,511,246, which claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication Nos. 60/256,326, filed Dec. 19, 2000 and 60/234,162 filed onSep. 20, 2000, the entire contents of which are incorporated byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an indexing system including tabbed dividersthat are locatable adjacent to label indicia on a display element. Moreparticularly, the invention relates to a system of dividers withsee-through tabs for placement over indicia identifying the divider.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Typical dividers for stacks of sheets such as paper have tabs extendingbeyond the stack. The tabs are labeled to identify the divided sectionsof the stack. Some known tabs have transparent pockets to insert a labelconnected directly to the divider. The dividers are often employed instack holders, such as binders, including ring binder and spiral bindersand other types, books, and folders typically have two covers that pivotwith respect to a binding assembly such as a spine. The dividersseparate and visually label various sections, such as chapters, that arebound and to permit easy access to any one of these sections. The areaprovided for the indicia that identifies the sections is limited by thesize of the tab.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,516,871 shows tabulated sheet protectors with tabsections that have letters printed thereon. Also, U.S. Pat. No.5,908,259, for example, discloses an index sheet assembly with dividersheets that have outstanding tabs. The tabs align with sections on afoldout portion of the assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an indexing system that includes a labeldisplay element that is associable with a stack of objects. The displayelement includes a label portion disposed in a viewing position beyondthe stack and configured for displaying label indicia identifying a oneor more objects in the stack. At least one tab is associable with theobjects of the stack in a tab position extending beyond the stack andover at least a portion of the label portion. In addition, the tab isconfigured to permit viewing of the label indicia through the tab.

Preferably, the indexing system also includes a body portion connectedto the tab and configured for positioning the tab in the tab position.In an embodiment of the invention, the body portion comprises a dividerconfigured for separating the objects of the stack, and the body portioncan include a pocket. In one embodiment, the body portion and thedisplay element are operatively connected along two edges disposed at anangle to each other to form a pouch for receiving a section of thestack.

The tab can include a framed window portion that permits viewing of thelabel indicia therethrough. Also, the tab may comprise a sufficientlytranslucent or transparent material such that the label indicia isvisible through the material.

Preferably, the indicia receivable on the label portion includes firstand second indicia disposed at first and second locations on the labelportion. First and second tabs are positionable over at least a portionof the first and second indicia, respectively. The first and second tabsare preferably of different colors.

A preferred display element comprises a label sheet, and the displayelement includes a display holder configured and dimensioned to hold andposition the label sheet in the viewing position, for placement underthe tabs. In one embodiment, the label holder includes a pocketconfigured to hold the label sheet. Preferably, the stack of sheets thatthe sheet holder is configured to hold have predetermined dimensions,and the label sheet is also substantially of the predetermineddimension.

Preferably, the display element includes first and second displayelements configured for holding in the stack holder on opposite sides ofthe stack. Additionally, the first and second display elements in theopen position are disposed such that the divider is selectively movablefrom adjacent the label portion of the first display element to adjacentthe label portion of the second display element.

In a preferred embodiment, the label display element comprises a labelsheet. The label sheet includes a label binding portion for binding witha stack holder with a stack of objects having predetermined dimensions,a label edge disposed on the display element for extending beyond thestack, and a label portion disposed between the label edge and the stackand configured for receiving label indicia for identifying objects inthe stack. A sectioning portion of the indexing system includes thebody, with a body binding portion for binding to the sheet holder withthe stack, and a tab associated with the body. The tab extends beyondthe stack and over at least a portion of the label portion when thedisplay element and sectioning portion are bound to the stack holder.

The label portion preferably includes a plurality of label portions, andthe sectioning portion comprises a plurality of sectioning portions.Also, the tab of each sectioning portion is disposed with respect to thedivider binding portion of said each sectioning portion for placementover at least a portion of a different one of the label portions whenthe label sheet and divider are bound to the stack holder. The preferredstack holder is a ring binder, and the label binding portion and thebody binding portions each includes a mounting portion configured forreceiving and attaching to the rings of the binder.

The label binding portion of one embodiment includes first and secondpanels, each bindable to the stack holder. An embodiment of the displayelement is bindable to the binding rings by the first panel, such thatthe label edge extends beyond the stack by a first lateral distance.This display element is also bindable to the binding rings by the secondpanel, such that the label edge extends beyond the stack at a secondlateral distance that is different from the first lateral distance. Thefirst and second panels are preferably foldably connected such that thelabel sheet is bindable to the sheet holder at the first and secondlateral distances. With the first and second panels unfolded, the labeledge may extend beyond the stack by the first lateral distance, and withthe first and second panels in overlapping association, the label edgemay extend beyond the stack by the second lateral distance.

One embodiment is a disk holder assembly with a case and a plurality ofbody portions pivotably connected to the case for separating disks in astack of disks. At least one tab extends from the body portions foridentifying sections of the stack of disks. In this embodiment, the bodyportions have a substantially round contour.

A preferred embodiment of an indexing system package has at least oneindexing system element with a label window received in a container. Thecontainer has front and back covers and a label portion is disposed onthe interior of the back cover with at least one label indicia providedon the label portion. The front cover has an opening adjacent the labelwindow for viewing the label portion, and the label window is positionedvisibly in the opening and over at least a portion of the label portionsuch that the label indicia is visible therethrough.

In one embodiment, the container comprises an envelope and the envelopehas a second opening along a top edge for receiving the indexing systemelements. The envelope can also include a flap extending from the frontcover that bends over the opening to contact the back cover and seal theindexing elements therein. The front and back covers are dimensioned forpositively positioning the label windows over the indicia. The indexingsystem elements can include a plurality of sheet dividers where eachdivider includes a tab extending therefrom that comprises the labelwindow.

A package display system constructed according to the invention has astorage member for holding packages, a face member adjacent the storagemember and having at least one label indicia disposed thereupon. Atleast one label window extends from the storage member and over the facemember and the label window is positioned over at least a portion of thelabel portion such that the label indicia is visible therethrough.

A method of providing a user with a label template over a networkaccording to the present invention comprises storing at least one labeltemplate on a server computer coupled to a network. The label templatecomprises an electronic file useable with preselected software andconfigured to provide a plurality of user modifiable text boxes when thetemplate is used with the software. The label template is alsoconfigured to enable the printing of a label sheet with the text boxesprinted on a sheet of paper in a preselected format to create a labeldisplay element. The method further comprises enabling the user toselect the label template for download, and transmitting the labeltemplate to the user over the network.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a bottom view of an index system constructed according to thepresent invention assembled in a three-ring binder;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view thereof in a partially open position;

FIG. 3 is an inside front view thereof in an open position;

FIG. 4 is a front cutaway view of an alternative embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a display element constructed accordingto the invention;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of aback display element;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the display element of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a front view thereof mounted in a binder;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a front view of yet another embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 11 and 12 are perspective views of alternative embodiments of theinvention;

FIG. 13 is a front view of another embodiment in an open position;

FIGS. 14 and 15 are front views of alternative embodiments of dividersand stacks according to the invention;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of theinvention with adhereable tabs and label sheet;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an accordion file constructed accordingto the invention;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a disk case constructed according tothe invention;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a wallet insert constructed accordingto the invention;

FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of an indexing system packageconstructed according to the invention;

FIG. 21 is a back perspective view of the package of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a display stand constructed accordingto the invention;

FIG. 23 is a screen shot of an Internet home page according to theinvention;

FIG. 24 is screen shot of a template web page according to theinvention; and

FIG. 25 is a view of a template according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a first embodiment of an indexing system 20constructed according to the present invention is shown in use with astack holder that is a ring binder 22, such as a 3-ring binder. Thebinder 22 has a front cover 24, a back cover 26, and a spine 28,connecting the front and back covers 24 and 26. The binder 22 furtherincludes a binding mechanism 30 attached to either cover 24 or 26 or thespine 28, preferably for releasably securing sheets or a stack ofobjects, such as a stack of sheets 33, to the binder 22. Suitablebinding mechanisms include spirals, clamps, clasps, hooks, otherring-type mechanisms and other known binding mechanisms. The bindingmechanism 30, as shown, is secured to the inside surface of the spine 28and has substantially circular rings 32, although differentially shapedrings can be used. For example, equally suitable is a binding mechanism30 having D-shaped rings secured to the inside surface of the back cover26. The stack of sheets 33 is shown inserted within the binder 22preferably with the rings 32 of the binder 22 engaging pre-punched holesdisposed on the sheets 33. Additionally, the stack of sheets 33 is shownbeing divided into various sections. Additional stacks can be bound inthe binder 22 behind the display elements. These additional stackspreferably may be either unindexed or indexed with a separate set ofdividers.

In FIG. 2, the binder 22 is shown with the front cover 24 partially inan opened position, exposing the contents contained therein. Thisembodiment of the indexing system 20 has a front label display element,which preferably includes a label sheet 34 adjacent to the front cover24 and a second label sheet 34 adjacent to the back cover 26. Each labelsheet 34 includes a label edge 36 extending beyond the stack of sheets33 contained in the binder 22. In other embodiments, the stack caninclude other types and shapes of objects. At least one label portion 37is disposed on the label sheet 34 preferably in a viewing positionbetween the label edge 36 and the stack 33, adjacent to label edge 36.Each label portion is configured for receiving at least one labelindicia 44, shown as headings in the figures, to identify the varioussections within the stack 33. Preferably, the label portions 37 includea plurality of label portions or areas 38-42 for receiving a pluralityof indicia 44 with each indicia 44 corresponding to each section of thestack of sheets 33. Five headings 44 are shown extending substantiallyacross all of the label portions 37 of the label sheet 34. The number ofheadings preferably corresponds to the number of sections contained inthe stack of sheets 33, as desired by the user.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a preferred embodiment has at least onesection indicator associable with the stack of objects, which preferablyincludes at least one divider, and preferably a plurality of dividers46-50. The exemplary five dividers 46-50 are shown operativelyassociated with the label sheet 34 for dividing the various sectionswithin the stack of sheets 33 in the binder 22. Each divider 46-50 has abody portion 52 and a tab 54 extending from a body edge 56, for dividingthe objects in the stack. The body portions 52 preferably form part ofthe stack of objects. Each of the dividers 46-50 and the label sheets 34have a divider binding portion 58 and a label binding portion 60. Eachbinding portion 58, 60 of the preferred embodiment includes a mountingportion 62, 64, configured for binding to the binding mechanism 30preferably including apertures or pre-punched holes for receiving andattaching to the rings 32 of the binder 22. Accordingly, the dividers46-50 and label sheets 34 are easily attached to the binder 22 byinserting pre-punched holes on the dividers 46-50 and label sheets 34through the rings 32. Once inserted, the dividers 46-50 are operativelyassociated to the label sheets 34 to ensure that each section of thestack of sheets 33 is separated from the others. The label sheets 34 arepreferably inserted with the dividers 46-50 therebetween, and are mostpreferably positioned and substantially adjacent the covers 24, 26 andon opposite sides of the dividers 46-50. Accordingly, the dividers 46-50are selectively movable from adjacent the label portions 37 of the firstlabel sheet 34 to adjacent the label portions 37 of the second labelsheet 34 by sliding the pre-punched holes of the dividers 46-50 over therings 32 when the dividers 46-50 and stack sections are flippedthereover.

The dividers 46-50 are additionally configured with respect to thedimensions of the stack of sheets 33 contemplated for use within thebinder 22 such that the tabs 54 extend or project beyond an unbound edge66 of the sheets, and preferably the edge opposite from the bindingportion 68 of the stack. In alternative embodiments, the tabs extendfrom other edges, including edges adjacent the bound edge, such as thetop and bottom edges, and the display portion and labels are alignedbehind the tabs. For example, binders are commonly available for variousstandard size sheets of papers. Some of the typical sheets include thestandard letter size, which measures 8½×11 inches, legal size, whichmeasures 8½×14 inches, or A4 size, which measures 8.264×11.684 inches.Other embodiments of dividers and display elements are sized for usewith other sizes of binders, such as personal planners, for whichtypical sheet dimensions include 5½×8½ inches, 3¾×6¾ inches, 3½×6½inches, and 3×5 inches. To accommodate these various standard sizesheets, the body 52 of the divider 46-50 employed is preferably ofsimilar or substantially the same dimensions as the stack of sheets 33,although other shapes or sizes that are different than the sheets canalternatively be employed with the tab 54 extending beyond the sheetdimension. Accordingly, with the dividers 46-50 dividing the stack ofsheets 33 in the binder 22, the tabs 54 of the various dividers 46-50are preferably clearly visible by the user and may be used to locate thevarious sections within the stack of sheets 33.

Additionally, each tab 54 of the various dividers 46-50 is preferablyfurther configured to extend from a different position along the divideredge such that when the plurality of dividers 46-50 is operativelyassociated with the label sheet 34 of the display station, each tab 54of each divider 46-50 is in alignment with and preferably disposed overone label indicia 44 on the label portions 37. As shown in FIG. 2,preferably when viewed squarely from the front, the tab 54 is locatedover label indicia 44 marked as “HEADING 1” at label area 38, the tab 54is over the label indicia 44 marked as “HEADING 2” at label areas 38-42and so on through the final tab 54, which is over the label indicia 44marked “HEADING 5” at label area 42. Thus, the five dividers 46-50 andtheir associated tabs 54 are shown with each subsequent tab 54 extendingin alignment with and over the label portions 37 and label areas 38-42at different stations along the divider edge. In this manner, each tab54 preferably overlaps a different label indicia 44 disposed on thelabel portions 37. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, tabs 54 aresubstantially planar and label indicia 44 reside on a separate planesubstantially parallel thereto, and offset or spaced from tabs 54.

A window portion of each of the tab 54 is configured to permit viewingof the indicia 44 through the window portion when the dividers 46-50 andthe label sheets 34 are secured to the binder 22. The window portion maybe in the form of a cutout 70 made on the tab 54, as shown in FIG. 4, acutout with a transparent covering, or in other forms to permit viewingof the label areas therebeneath. The window 70 of FIG. 4 has a frame 55extending around the perimeter of the window 70. Preferably the entiretab 54 is made of a sufficiently translucent or transparent material topermit viewing of the indicia 44 behind the tab 54. The entire dividermay alternatively be constructed of a transparent material.

The tab 54 of the divider are arranged sequentially at the variousstations along the divider body edge 56, and all label indicia 44 ispreferably easily viewed at a glance. As the label sheets 34 of twodisplay elements are preferably secured to the binder 22 with the seriesof corresponding headings facing the stack of sheets 33 contained in thebinder 22, as shown in FIG. 3, each of the headings is easily viewablethrough the windows on the tabs 54 regardless of the point along thestack of sheets 33 to which the binder 22 is opened.

For example, FIG. 3 shows the two dividers 46, 47 adjacent to the labelportions 37 of one label sheet 34, while the remaining three dividers48-50 are adjacent the label portions 37 of the other label sheet 34.Accordingly, a first portion of the group of tabs 54, namely the tabs 54of the first two dividers 46, 47, permit viewing of a first portion ofthe headings, namely “HEADING 1” and “HEADING 2” of the front labelsheet 34 and a second portion of the tabs 54, namely the tabs 54 of thelast three dividers 48-50, permit viewing of a second portion of theheadings, namely “HEADING 3,” “HEADING 4,” and “HEADING 5”, which aredisposed on the back label sheet 34. Thus, all headings and label areas38-42 on both label sheets 34 are preferably easily viewable throughwindows of the tabs 54 adjacent thereto or plainly viewable adjacent tothe divider edge and the edge of the sheets. Additionally, the dividers46-50 and label sheets 34 are substantially flat when attached to thebinder 22, further facilitating the ease of viewing the headings on thelabel portions 37. Moreover, when the plurality of dividers 46-50 arearranged so as to divide the stack of sheets according to the varioussections, the number of dividers 46-50 preferably corresponds with thenumber of sections and the associated number of coordinated headings.Also, the tabs 54 are preferably approximately 2¼.times.½ inches, with arounded contour, or the ends of the tabs 54 slightly tapered to form ahandle to facilitate selection and gripping by the user.

Preferably, the dividers 46-50 are constructed from a material morerigid or stiff than the sheets of paper contained in the binder 22.Suitable materials include plastics, paper, cardboard, manila paper, andcombinations thereof. Most preferably, the dividers 46-50 may beconstructed with the body 52 and tab portion being transparent ortranslucent either in whole or in part and may either collectively bemonochromatic or a mixture of colors. Preferably, the tab and the body52 of the divider are integrally constructed. Most preferably, eachdivider is preferably constructed from a single sheet with the tab diecut from the sheet.

Referring to FIG. 5, the label sheet of the preferred display elementincludes a label holder 72 that is configured to hold and position anindicia sheet 74 having the indicia 74, including the plurality ofheadings in the viewing position, such that the headings are disposed inalignment in the label areas 38-42 and label portions 37 of the displayelement. Each of the label sheets 34 includes front and back panels 76,78 that are sealed along at least one side, and preferably three sides80 to form a pocket 84, and open at another side 82 for receiving theindicia sheet 74. To facilitate such alignment of the indicia sheet 74,the pocket 84 of the label holder 72 extends from the label edge 36substantially the width of the indicia sheet 74 toward the label bindingportion 60 and has a width similar or slightly large than that of theindicia sheet 74.

Additionally, the indicia sheet preferably has about the samepredetermined dimensions as the sheets of the stack contained in thebinder 22. Thus, headings on the indicia sheet may be easily prepared byprinting the headings on a printer on a standard size sheet of paper.Most preferably, the indicia sheet is printed by the user when printingthe sheets to be stored in the binder 22. Using commonly available wordprocessing software, the indicia sheet may be prepared at the same timeas the user prepares the stack of sheets 33 and can be inserted withinthe pocket 84 of the label holder 72 along with the sheets into thebinder 22.

Depending on the size and type of the binder 22 used with the presentindexing system 20, the binding portion may benefit from adjustments toensure proper alignment of the tabs 54 with the label indicia 44. Forexample, especially with round ring binder mechanisms, the lateralposition of the unbound edge 66 of the stack can vary with respect tothe relative position of the label portions 37, depending on the size ofthe rings 32 and thickness of the stack. A larger ring will tend toposition the display element further inwardly, towards the bindingmechanism 30 to the stack unbound edge 66 for a commonly available 1inch binder 22 having rings 32 with approximately a 1 inch radius, theunbound edge 66 of the sheets near the center of the stack may beshifted with respect to the unbound edge 66 of the sheets at the frontor back of the stack by about one-half inch due to the shape of therings 32. This behavior of the sheets is less noticeable when the binder22 has a smaller ring capacity or with D-shaped rings 32. With a 3 inchor 5 inch binder, the difference between edge positions of the sheets inthe stack with the binder 22 in the opened position becomessignificantly more prominent.

Accordingly, to accommodate the variability of the size of the binderthat the user may desire, an alternative embodiment of the displayelement 86 is mountable to the binding mechanism 30 to position thelabel portions at a variable distance from the label binding portion 60,as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. Display element 86 has label portions 88disposed adjacent to the label edge 90, a pocket 92 for receiving anindicia sheet 84, and a label binding portion 94. The label bindingportion 94 includes at least two separate binding panels 96, 98 eachhaving preferably pre-punched holes 100 for engaging the rings 32 of thebinder 22. Preferably, the panels 96, 98 may have openings that are opento the perimeter of the display element, to permit insertion of a ringor spiral of a binder 22 without opening the binder 22. An opening 106preferably connects the openings of the first and second panels andextends across the hinge 102. When the binding panels 96, 98 are foldedover each other, the overlapping halves of the openings 106 provide atapered opening 113 with a wide opening portion 109 that leads to anarrow opening portion 111. The tapered opening 113 allows a bindingring or other mechanism to be received and snapped into the openings 113and holes 100. Additionally, the pocket 92 has an opening that extendslaterally from the label edge toward the label binding portion, coveringabout half of the label sheet 84.

The two binding panels are preferably pivotally connected to each otherat hinge line 102, which preferably comprises a scan line, and to theremaining portion of the label sheet 84 at scan line 104. When the labelsheet 84 is mounted to the binder 22 through the mounting portion 62 ofthe first panel 96, the label edge extends beyond said stack of sheetsand the binding mechanism 30 by first lateral distances. Similarly, whenlabel sheet 84 is attached to the binder 22 through the mounting portion64 of the second panel 98, the label edge extends beyond said stack ofsheets and the binding mechanism 30 by second lateral distances that arerespectively shorter than the first lateral distances. Preferably, whenthe label sheet 84 is attached using the second panel, the first panelis folded along the hinge 102 in an overlapping configuration with thefirst panel, such that the label sheet 84 is attached to the binder 22using both mounting portions of the label sheet 84. Accordingly, thelabel sheet 84 may be attached to the binder 22 individually with thepanels substantially parallel to and extending away from each other orin an overlapping configuration with the panels overlapping each other,to selectively vary the extension of the label edge and label portions88 with respect to the stack of sheets and binding mechanism 30.Therefore, by securing the label sheet 84 to the binder 22 usingdifferent sets of the holes or other openings or structures to attach tothe binder 22, the lateral extension of the label sheet 84 and the labelportions 88 may be adjusted according to the sheet capacity of thebinder 22.

The label sheet 84 is preferably adjusted to ensure that the labelportions 88 extends sufficiently beyond the stack of sheets contained inthe binder 22. Moreover, the user may start with the label sheet 84attached to the binder 22 with panels in the overlapping configurationand modify the width of the label sheet 84 by using the first panel toattach to the binder 22 as more sheets are stored in the binder 22. Inthis manner, the label sheet 84 may be easily adjusted to accommodatethe changing capacity of the binder 22 to ensure that the tabs 54 of thedividers 46-50 are in alignment with the label portions 88 of the labelsheet 84. An alternative embodiment has additional panels. Referring toFIG. 7, the rear side of the display element 86 also preferably hasanother see-through pocket, which can cover substantially the entirerear side, to receive a rear title page 107.

In FIG. 8, the display element is shown and attached to the binder rings32 by the holes in the first panel. Thus, the width 108 of the displayelement in this configuration is greater than the width 110 thereof fromthe openings of the first panel when attached by the second panel fromthe openings of the second panel.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 9 and front and back covers 112, 114 thatare pivotally connected along a hinge 116 line for securing a stack ofsheets between the covers. A display element 118 is associated with oneor both covers and is preferably constructed to each of the covers. Mostpreferably, the display element includes a label edge 120 that extendsbeyond the stack sheets held between the covers and label portions 122disposed adjacent to the label edge 120 and configured for receiving alabel indicia 44.

A plurality of dividers 124 are disposed between the covers and haveinner edges that are held in proper position for tubes 126 to overlapwith the label portions by the hinge line in a protective associationand position similar to the overlapping association described of theprevious embodiments.

The dividers are alternatively secured to each other along a commonedge, such as at the hinge 116.

Referring to FIG. 10, dividers 130 and label sheets 132 are securedalong two adjacent edges 134 such that the dividers and the covers formvarious pouches therebetween for receiving sections of a stack ofsheets. As folders are typically intended for holding fewer sheets thanbinders, by having two sealed edges, the pouch formed by the open spacebetween the covers and the dividers conveniently and securely holdsections of the stack of sheets containing information. Additionally,each section of the stack of sheets is tabbed to facilitate access andview.

As in the previous embodiments, the display elements preferably includeinside and outside transparent sheets for permitting viewing of thelabel portions and a title page on the outside, facing away from thestack. Using commonly available software programs, the user may preparea cover, label indicia 44, and contents of the presentation or brochure.The prepared documents can easily be printed on a printer and insertedwithin their respective positions in the folder.

The sheet holder of FIG. 11 is a spiral bound notebook 136 with a spiralbinding 138 on a top side thereof. A front cover 140 of the notebook 136has a width 142 from the binding that is shorter than the width 144 ofthe back cover 146. Thus, the see-through tabs 148 of the dividers andthe label areas 150 of the label portions are visible even with thenotebook closed. The display element 151 preferably comprises atransparent pocket affixed to the cover 140 to receive a label sheet.Alternatively, the display element 151 may include a sticker adhered tothe cover in the viewing position.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 12 is similar to the one of FIG. 11, butthe stack holder of this embodiment is a clip board 153 with aresiliently biased clip 155 holding a paper pad 157. Display element 159is preferably part of the paper pad 157, and preferably includes a rearcardboard panel 161 of the pad 157 that is attached to stack 163 at atop edge portion 165 thereof.

FIG. 13 shows a report cover 152 with front and back covers 154, 156connected to a stack 158 with a plurality of tabbed dividers 160 withmetal band-type binding fasteners 162 that extend through both covers154, 156 and the stack 158 and are bent around eyelets 164 in the backcover 156. The back cover 156 includes a display element with a pocket166, preferably configured to receive a label sheet 168 of similar sizeas the sheets of the stack 158. A framed label window 170 permitsviewing of a label portion 172 of the label sheet 168 and is positionedto align in a viewing position under the tabs of the dividers 160. Inthis embodiment, the front cover 154 does not have a separate displayelement.

The dividers 174, 176 shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 have body portions 178,180 shaped and dimensioned differently than the sheets of the stacks182. These bodies 178 are non-rectangular, although another embodimenthas a rectangular body that is of a different size than a stack withwhich it is intended to be used. Divider 174 is formed of two materials,such as a paper, cardboard, or plastic portion 184 fixed to atransparent portion 186, which forms part of the body portion 178 andthe tab 188.

Referring to FIG. 16, the sheet holder of this embodiment is a book 190,such as a picture album. The book 190 includes body portions, whichcomprise pages 194. The pages 194 may include pockets 195, preferablyopen on a side thereof, such as top side 197. Transparent tabs 192 areattached, preferably by adhering, to pages 194 of the book 190. Adisplay element comprises a label sheet 196 that is attached, to a cover198 of the book 190. Preferably, adhesive is disposed on the undersideof inward portion 201, located inwardly from hinge 202, to attach to thebook 190. Alternatively, the label sheet 196 can be attached to theother cover 200, or to a page 194 of the book 190, and by means otherthan adhesives. Hinge 202 of the label sheet 196 is preferablyconfigured for folding the label sheet 196 thereabout to be stowedpreferably completely between the covers 198, 200 when the indexingsystem is not in use. The tabs 192 overlap with at least a portion oflabel areas 206, preferably when viewed at a preselected angle,preferably generally orthogonally, with respect to the open pages 194.

The label sheet 196 includes heading dividing indicia, preferably lines204 to visually separate label areas 206. The label sheet 196 of thisembodiment is preferably provided label areas 206 configured to receivelabel indicia when added by a user when tabs are applied. In analternative embodiment, the display element comprises a plurality oflabel sheets attached side-by-side with the label areas 206 disposedunder each tab 192. In this embodiment, the stack includes the pages 194which connect the tabs 192 to the book 190.

In this embodiment, the body portions are part of the stack that is heldand divided at the tabs 192. Other pages 194 of the book 190 do not havetabs, and are contained within the divided sections.

The embodiment of FIG. 17 includes a stack holder that is an accordionfile 208 with dividers 210, including the front cover 212. Back cover214 comprises a display element 216, although the display element can befitted instead to one of the dividers 210. See-through tabs 218 extendfrom the dividers 210 to overlap with the label areas 220 of the displayelement 216. Pockets are formed between the dividers 210 and the covers212, 214 to contain sections of a stack. The file 208 has threeexpandable walls 222 that preferably connect corresponding three sidesof the dividers 210 and the covers 212, 214 to expand substantially inparallel with each other.

Referring to FIG. 18, an embodiment of a stack holder is a media holder,preferably a disk holder 224. The disk holder 224 includes a case 226with top and bottom covers 228, which are preferably pivotally connectedtogether and configured to close as a shell and hook together withclosure 230. A display element 232 is disposed on the inside of the topcover 228, and includes label portions with label areas 234 with labelindicia 236, in this case indicating the type of music contained on thedisks in different sections of the held stack 238. The label areas 234are arranged along a curve, preferably to follow the edge of the stackof disk holders 240.

Disk holders 240 have body portions 241 that preferably include a pocket242 with an opening 244, and are configured to receive and hold disks246. The pockets are preferably clear plastic sleeves with front andback pocket sheets. Other disk holding members can alternatively be usedinstead of pockets. The preferred shape of the body portion 241generally follows the contour of the disks 246 to be held, and are thuspreferably round. Where other objects are to be held, the shape of thebody portions preferably follows the shape of the objects.

A tab 248 extends from some of the disk holders 240 and are positionedto overlap with, and allow viewing therethrough the indicia 236 on thelabel areas 234. Tabs 248 are arranged in an arc to follow the shape ofthe edges of the body portions 246. The stack also includes disk holders250, which do not include tabs, and dividers 252 with body portions andtabs, but no pockets, to further divide the stack 238.

Referring to FIG. 19, stack holder 254 is a wallet insert with a stackof panels 256 held by alternatingly connecting at top and bottom edges258, 260 thereof for expansion and contraction of the stack of panels256. The panels 256 include body portions 264 with 266 pockets toreceive items such as business cards and credit cards, and tabs 262extending beyond the body portions 264. The central tabs 262 arepreferably formed as cutouts from the adjacent panels 256, and protrudefrom top hinges 268. Back panel 256 includes a display element 270 witha pocket 272 configured to receive a label sheet 274. Indicia 276 on thelabel portions 278 of the display element 270 can be seen through thetabs 262 when they overlap therewith when the stack of panels 256 iscontracted upon itself. Thus, a particular section of the stack can beeasily identified and accessed. The wallet insert also preferablycomprises a wallet attachment flap 280 connected to the panels 156 at abottom edge 260 where two of the panels 126 are connected. The walletattachment flap 280 is configured for insertion in a pocket of a walletsuch that the stack can be expanded and contracted while attached to thewallet.

Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, a preferred embodiment of an indexingsystem package 301 is shown comprising a container for holding a set ofindexing system elements such as dividers, label sheets, and/or displayelements as described above. In the preferred embodiment, the containercomprises an envelope 300 having a front cover 304 and a back cover 306joined together along edges 308. An opening 310 extends along side 312and is dimensioned to allow for the insertion of indexing systemelements between covers 304, 306. In a preferred embodiment, at leastone tabbed divider 302 is received within envelope 300. As inembodiments described above, tabbed divider 302 includes a tab 328 thatdefines a label window for viewing label indicia therethrough. Inalternate embodiments, a plurality of tabbed dividers 302 can bereceived within envelope 300. In other embodiments, other products,including other indexing system elements such as label sheets and ordisplay elements can also be received within envelope 300. A flap 314extends from front cover 304 and bends over opening 310 to contact backcover 306 to seal the indexing system elements within the envelope 300.

Front cover 304 includes an opening 316, which is preferably a cut outportion, adjacent the tabs or label windows of the dividers containedtherein such that the label windows are visible in opening 316. A labelportion 320 is disposed on an interior surface of back cover 306 and isalso visible in opening 316. At least one label indicia 324 is providedon the label portion 320. The indicia 324 may be printed directly on theenvelope 300, may be adhesively applied, or may, for example, beprovided on a separate sheet behind the dividers 302. In the preferredembodiment, label portion 320 includes a plurality of label indicia 324and each indicia is associated with a tab 328 of the dividers 302inserted into envelope 300 such that the tab 328 is positioned over atleast a portion of the label portion 320. The label indicia 324 arepositioned to be behind a corresponding tab 328 when the dividers 302are inserted into envelope 300 such that the indicia 324 are viewablethrough the tabs 328. In this way, a potential customer can easilyenvision how a particular divider may appear when used in a binder or inother applications described above. Also, a customer may preferably bendback the portion of the envelope 300 that is exposed through opening 316to see that the indicia 324 is printed behind the tabs 328.

In the preferred embodiment, opening 316 is semi-elliptical and ispositioned toward the longitudinal center of envelope 300. In alternateembodiments, opening 316 can have different geometric configurations,different dimensions, and different locations in relation to thecontainer or envelope 300. The position of the opening 316 is selectedto expose the windows portions of tabs 328 and the indicia 324.

Envelope 300 is preferably made from laminated paper, however, paperboard, cardboard, plastic, or other suitable materials can be used. Thefront and back covers 304, 306 of envelope 300 are sized slightly largerthan the indexing system elements which are to be contained therein. Forexample, in a preferred embodiment where the indexing system is designedfor 8½×11 inch sheets of paper, front and back covers 304, 306 have awidth 330 slightly larger than the width of the tabbed dividers and alength 332 slight larger than 11 inches. In this way, the tabs 328 oftabbed dividers 302 are positively positioned over the indicia 324 whenthe dividers are received in envelope 300 and the indicia is visiblethrough the label window of tabs 328. In alternate embodiments, thecontainer can have numerous other configurations besides an envelope.For example, in an alternate embodiment the container could be in theform of a box or any other suitable container.

Referring to FIG. 22, a preferred display stand 360 is shown fordisplaying indexing system packages 301. Display stand 360 includes anupright portion 364 extending from a base 366. In a preferredembodiment, base 366 is configured to rest upon the floor and uprightsection 364 is configured to extend substantially vertically therefromto display indexing system packages 301 at a predetermined height fromthe floor to assist customers in viewing and purchasing the packages. Inan alternative embodiment, the display stand 360 is configured to attachto a wall. Display stand 360 is preferably made from a cardboardmaterial, however, other suitable materials can be used. Upright portion364 includes a product storage member or portion 368 and a face memberor portion 370 facing the front of display stand 360. Product storageportion 368 includes at least one compartment 372 for holding indexingsystem packages 301. Each compartment preferably has a shelf and a tab377 extending upwardly therefrom to keep the packages 301 from slidingoff the shelf. If a customer desires to purchase an indexing systempackage, the customer may simply remove a desired package from one ofcompartments 372. Face portion 370 is set back slightly from the frontof product storage portion 368. Face portion 370 generally extends alongthe side of product storage portion 368 and preferably includes a labelportion 376 having label indicia 378 disposed thereupon. At least onetab member 380 extends from product storage portion 368 over faceportion 370 and over at least a portion of label portion 376 such thatat least a portion of the label indicia 378 is covered by tab member380.

A window portion of each of the tab members 380 is configured to permitviewing of the indicia 378 therethrough. Preferably the entire tabmember 380 is made of a sufficiently translucent or transparent materialto permit viewing of the indicia 378 behind the tab member 380. Inalternate embodiments, the window portion may be in the form of acutout, as shown in FIG. 4.

Preferably a plurality of tabs are provided and extend from productstorage portion 368 over face portion 370 and extend in alignment withand over different sections of label portion 376. In this manner, eachtab member 378 preferably overlaps a different label indicia 378disposed on the label portion 376, in substantially the same manner aswould occur when the indexing system is used in a binder or the variousother applications described herein. This configuration advantageouslyallows a potential customer to quickly envision how the indexing systemworks before purchasing the system. In an alternative embodiment, thedisplay stand includes a product storage portion and a face portion onthe back side of the stand as well so that the a customer can view thepackages from both sides of the stand.

In the preferred embodiment, a user of the indexing system may create anindex page, table of contents page, or label sheet from a clientcomputer connected to a server computer over the Internet or othernetwork. For example, from a client computer, the user can access aserver computer hosting a web site, such as www.wjindex.com. A preferredweb site includes a home page, such as home 400 shown in FIG. 23, towelcome a web user. The web site also includes several option buttons orlinks 402 which are hyperlinked to other web pages that are part of theweb site. In the preferred embodiment buttons 402 include a home link404, template links 406, a frequently asked questions link 408 whichlinks to a web page that displays frequently asked questions, and acontact link 410 which links to a web page that displays information onhow to contact a person about the contents of the web site.

Referring to FIG. 24, a template web page 412 is accessed if a userselects template link 406. From the template web page 412 the user canselect from several choices of templates to download to the user'scomputer to form the label portions and label indicia described above.In a preferred embodiment, the templates are electronic files availablefor download and are compatible with numerous types of word processingprograms, such as Corel Word Perfect or Microsoft Word, among others. Inother embodiments, the templates are software specific and a user mustselect a template compatible with the type of word processing softwarebeing used on the client computer. In one embodiment, once the userselects a template, the word processing application is opened on theclient computer and the selected template is shown. The templates areconfigured to provide a plurality of user modifiable text boxes when thetemplate is used with the appropriate software. In this manner, thetemplate is configured to enable the printing of a label sheet with textboxes printed on a sheet of paper in a preselected format to create alabel display element that can be used in an indexing system asdescribed above.

Referring to FIG. 25, one embodiment of a template 414 includes a tableof contents page 415 and a label page 416. Contents page 415 includes aplurality of tab text boxes 418 and a title text box 420 formatted tooccupy a preselected section of a piece of paper. Label sheet 416includes tab text boxes 422 which correspond to tab text boxes 418. Whentemplate 414 is accessed by a word processing program, headings, such astab names or the document title, can be typed into text boxes 418, 420as desired. When headings are inserted into tab text boxes 418 oncontents page 415, tab text boxes 422 of label page 416 include the sameheadings as the corresponding text box on contents page 415. The usercan then print out the contents page and label page on standard 8½×11paper to form label sheets to be inserted into appropriate displayelements as described above. In this way, the templates are resident onthe web and the user can easily create label portions having labelindicia with predefined spacing such that the label indicia correlate ormatch up with the tabs or window portions described above.

One of ordinary skill in the art can envision numerous variations andmodifications. All of these modifications are contemplated by the truespirit and scope of the following claims.

1. A method of using a template for creating an indexing system, theindexing system including, a label display sheet to be positionedadjacent a divided stack of objects, the label display sheet including aplurality of spaced label indicia; and a plurality of tabs substantiallyadjacent the objects of the stack, each tab corresponding to arespective one of the plurality of spaced label indicia and including atranslucent material; the method comprising: selecting a template;inputting indicia into a plurality of modifiable text boxes on thetemplate; printing a label display sheet wherein the plurality of spacedlabel indicia includes the indicia input into the modifiable text boxes;and positioning the label display sheet adjacent the divided stack ofobjects such that the plurality of spaced label indicia are visiblethrough the respective tabs.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein thetemplate is accessed through a web site.
 3. The method of claim 2,wherein a plurality of different templates are available for accessingthrough the web site.
 4. The method of claim 2, further comprising:downloading the template to a user's computer from the web site.
 5. Themethod of claim 4, wherein the downloaded template is compatible withmultiple word processing programs.
 6. The method of claim 4, wherein thedownloaded template is selected to be compatible with a word processingprogram stored on the user's computer.
 7. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: printing a table of contents page wherein the indicia inputinto the plurality of modifiable text boxes is positioned on the tableof contents page in corresponding relation to the tabs.
 8. The method ofclaim 7, wherein the user need only input indicia once to generate boththe table of contents page and the label display sheet.
 9. The method ofclaim 7, wherein the table of contents page further includes a titlegenerated from indicia input into one of the plurality of modifiabletext boxes.
 10. The method of claim 7, further comprising: positioningthe table of contents page adjacent the divided stack of objects suchthat the indicia are generally aligned with the respective tabs.
 11. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the template is an electronic file.
 12. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the template automatically spaces andpositions the input indicia on the label display sheet as the spacedlabel indicia.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the plurality ofspaced label indicia on the printed label display sheet is spaced toextend substantially along an entire edge of the stack.
 14. The methodof claim 1, further comprising: printing a second label display sheet;and positioning the second label display sheet adjacent an opposite endof the divided stack of objects from the first label display sheet.